Hello You: Meet Ioana - Transforming tech with a collaborative vision

March 5, 2025

As part of the "Hello You" series, we’re handing the mic to colleagues across Orange Belgium—giving them the space to share their journeys, challenges, and the impact they make every day. This series highlights the people behind the innovation, the problem-solvers, and the driving forces shaping Orange Belgium.

Ioana Neata’s journey into tech didn’t start with a technical degree—it started in finance. What began as a numbers-driven career evolved into a passion for innovation, sparked by her relentless curiosity. Today, as the Head of our Tech Transformation and Innovation Team, Ioana leads initiatives that push boundaries and shape Orange Belgium’s technological future. "Curiosity pushed me into tech," she shares. "Now, it keeps me moving forward every day."

At first glance, Ioana’s job might sound like it’s all about technical details. But for her, it’s about making sure technology serves the bigger picture. "Our team ensures that every tech project aligns with Orange’s strategic goals," she explains. That could mean managing programs like Fiber to the Home (FTTH) to bring high-speed internet to customers or anchoring Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into Orange Belgium’s operations.

"We’re tackling big questions, like how to reduce energy consumption across our networks while still delivering top-notch service. So, it’s not just about the technology but more about how it impacts people," Ioana says.

If there’s one thing Ioana emphasizes, it’s that success doesn’t happen in silos. "Our team works across the board—engineering, IT, operations, finance and procurement. It’s a collective effort to make these projects work," she says. The FTTH initiative is a prime example of this interconnectedness, involving nearly every department at Orange.

But Ioana isn’t one to take all the credit. "My job is to bring people together, encourage open communication, and make sure everyone feels heard," she explains. For Ioana, fostering collaboration within her team is just as important as working across departments. "It’s inspiring to see such natural and self-driven collaboration taking place," she adds.

Switching from finance to tech wasn’t as easy as Ioana initially thought, but she embraced the challenge. "The toughest part was the jargon—while there are sometimes similarities, acronyms in finance and tech often mean completely different things, and the tech ones are especially challenging!" she says, laughing. It was like learning a new language, but Ioana leaned on her curiosity to power through.

Orange Belgium’s training resources made the transition smoother. From online courses and workshops to one-on-one sessions with engineers, Ioana made the most of every opportunity to learn. "Sometimes I’d just ask for a ‘for dummies’ explanation, and my colleagues were always happy to help," she says.

Her advice to others? "Don’t be afraid to ask for help, keep learning, and build a strong network. Mentors and colleagues can make all the difference."

One of Ioana’s additional roles is optimizing the ESG strategy in Orange’s technology operations. "Formerly, engineers were used to only think about optimizing performance and efficiency to drive sustainable innovation. Since ESG has become a major part of our strategy, we’re asking them to think about energy consumption and environmental impact as well," she says.

"Embracing sustainability in a tech company isn't just about policies or products—it requires a fundamental shift in mindset, where innovation, efficiency, and responsibility align to create long-term value for both business and society."

Ioana’s career with Orange Belgium began outside the country, giving her firsthand experience of the company’s global reach and inclusivity. "Working with colleagues from so many cultures teaches you things you won’t find in a textbook," she says. For Ioana, it’s not just about professional development but also about the personal growth that comes from connecting with people from different backgrounds. 

One highlight of her time at Orange Belgium was judging a contest at the Orange Digital Center, where participants developed apps and software to address societal challenges. "I was blown away by the creativity and commitment," she recalls. "Seeing how our resources empowered them to create meaningful solutions was truly inspiring." 

"Ask questions. Stay curious. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone," Ioana advises. Her story is proof that with the right mindset and support, there’s no limit to what you can achieve. At Orange Belgium, the tools, support, and inspiration are all there—you just need to take the first step.

Check out all our opportunities at proudtobeorange.be